(Watertown) Green Lake County authorities say a Watertown man who allegedly fled to Eastern Europe after faking his own death returned home Tuesday and is now in custody. During a press conference Wednesday, Sheriff Mark Podoll says Ryan Borgwardt arrived on US soil and then was booked into the correctional facility in Green Lake County.
Podoll said the 45-year-old returned home willingly and noted that his family may have compelled him to come back.
Podoll credited the hard work of his staff, noting that the past several months has required incredible effort and dedication.
“They’re the ones that kept us going…I couldn’t be more proud of them for what they did for a family…we didn’t give up and we can stand here today feeling relieved.”
Borgwardt was officially charged with a misdemeanor count of Obstructing an Officer which carries a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and nine months in jail. During an initial appearance Wednesday, a signature bond was set at $500 with the judge noting that Borgwardt turned himself in and is not a flight risk.
State prosecutors sought to have Borgwardt surrender his passport, but the judge did not rule in their favor. A status hearing is scheduled for January 13th.
Borgwardt allegeldy faked his death by capsizing a kayak on Green Lake in August. The 45-year-old then reportedly rode an e-bike to Madison, caught a bus to Detroit, eventually crossing over into Canada and boarded an international flight in Toronto.
During a 56-day search of Green Lake, sheriff Podoll estimates that upwards of $40,000 was spent. He says that the council will be seeking restitution.
